Please welcome my guest author, Pam Jarrell.
It’s a chilly Fall morning here in West Virginia and I am excited that I do not have to rush through anything…yet. And I am equally excited (and honored) to be guest blogging for Kate Lloyd. Kate has asked that I share “My” story with all of you.
At midnight last night, I completed my final part of The Divine Secrets of the Whoopie Pie Sisters, Book #2. Sarah Price, my co-author, has finished her part as well and the book is now in the hands of the final editors and publisher. I never dreamed that I would be co-authoring an Amish fiction novel, let alone watching my first novel actually go to #1 on Amazon overnight in a couple different genres. And to reach #36 in all of Amazon Kindle books… wow. I can only say that once again, God has rained his marvelous blessings down on me. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate the many journeys that I would experience, which began in January of 2012. What a ride it has been.
I began 2012 not knowing that I would yet again face another battle with thyroid cancer. I had completed and survived my first battle in 2011. But at my 6-month check-up, I was informed that it had returned. I began an 8-week regimen of Radioactive Iodine Therapy. This stuff usually plays havoc with my body and knocks me to the couch. This round was no different, but the wonderful news at the end of it was once again, no cancer.
I was always taught that through the rain comes a rainbow. My rainbow that came from that battle was the day God laid it upon my heart to reach out and start a Facebook group. The beautiful colors of my rainbow turned out to be the lovely friends that I have met because of this group, whom I hold dear to my heart. I love learning about the Amish world. I love to visit, read about and study their culture. I have found that in so many ways they are not as different as I once thought. In my heart, I think my love for the Amish comes from the thought that their way of life fulfills a desire within me for the simple life. But, I have found that the simple life is much harder than my mind portrays it to be. By reading Amish Fiction, it takes me temporarily into that world, my escape, if even only in my mind.
My Facebook group, Whoopie Pie Book Club (WPBC), was created to help pull others together who love the Amish world and Amish fiction just as much as I do. It became a way in which we can each share and learn new things. A place where many can gather in fellowship, converse and pray for each other. For many years my mother, myself and 3 other women would travel semi-annually to Ohio Amish Country for a retreat of reading Amish fiction, seeing the Amish sights and eating plenty of whoopie pies. At that time, I began calling us the Whoopie Pie Book Club, therefore, when I started my Facebook group I knew this would be the perfect name.
Many ask me how I came to be known as Whoopie Pie Pam. Many years ago, an Amish man who was a dear friend of our family, blessed me with that name. Teasingly, he said every time he saw me; I was never without at least one whoopie pie. To this day, because of him, that is the name I am known by. WPBC, as was pointed out to me by my husband, is my ministry: A little piece of our world where I can spread God’s love. To date, there are over 1300 members in this group.
Late in 2012, I was once again given the news that cancer had returned to my body. At that point, I wondered if it had truly left. This was to be round 3. I was told, by two Doctors, that it had spread to my lymph nodes. I was scheduled for a biopsy, which confirmed that diagnosis. From there, a PET scan, ultra sound, another round of radiation, surgery to rid the cancer from my lymph nodes and a round of chemotherapy was soon scheduled. I was disheartened. But, in my heart, I knew that God had a reason for me to take this grueling journey yet again. Maybe there was one person that I would come in contact with that needed to hear about my wonderful God. I then found out that I was cancer free. Ironically, I was given this wonderful news while being on a sabbatical in Ohio Amish Country: the land where cell phones have no service 99% of the time. That 1% found me that day. I had traveled to Ohio, a place where I find peace, for a small break before facing the surgery that they had previously scheduled to remove the cancer cells in my lymph nodes. Imagine my surprise when the last round of testing came back negative. I can still hear my Doctor’s words, “I’m perplexed.” I wasn’t. I had many people, including the wonderful members of the WPBC praying for me. And the best part… God picked the perfect place for me to receive the news of this miracle. God’s country. Amish country.
About Pam
“Whoopie Pie” Pam Jarrell will tell you that she lives in a wacky, wonderful, blessed world where God is her ruler! It is her goal to love, laugh and face each moment with all the passion that she can find within. She and her husband Tom are blessed with 5 children, 3 Son-In-Laws, 6 wonderful, awesome, fantastic Grandchildren and 2 dogs. A loving, dysfunctional family surrounds her.
Pam is the co-author of the best selling “The Divine Secrets of the Whoopie Pie Sisters Trilogy” and has several cookbooks on the market. These cookbooks include not only mouth-watering recipes but also inspiring stories submitted by some of her fellow authors and dear Whoopie Pie members.
Please leave a comment to enter to win a Kindle/Nook copy of both The Divine Secrets of the Whoopee Pie Sisters, Book 1 and Book 2 (at its release). Two winners will be picked and they will win one of each of the eBooks! Winners have one week to respond and must leave either their email or contact information.
Congratulations to Wilani, who won a copy of Gayle Roper’s Fatal Deduction!
Thank you for sharing Pam’s story, wish her much good health and I love Ohio Amish country, too. I would love to win her books.:) Carmee Ross or miaross1961@yahoo.com
Thank you for commenting and entering the contest! I loved reading Pam’s story too!
Thank you Carmee for the well wishes!!
Blessings…. Pam 🙂
Love reading Amish books. Would really like to win these two books.
🙂 Blessings to you Carol!
Pam , hearing that you are going through a third bout with cancer and this one worse makes me thank God for more in my life, we never know when something will hit us and you more then others know this is true, I have an author friend Sandi Rog that swears B17 helped her put her cancer to rest..I wish you would try this or at least check into it.I love to read amish stories and will be looking for this story above. I have read some of Sarah’s work but your name is new to me, I hope to hear more from you and Pray that God heals your last illness….
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Thank you Paula. I will definitely check out the B17. I may be taking it now. I say ‘may’ because I have a wonderful Amish friend, Marlene Miller, that put me on a regimen of ‘stuff’. She hates when I call it ‘stuff’. But, it’s a lot of herbs & vitamins. It has truly helped the way I feel. And to date, my cancer scans are negative! It tastes horrible though but worth it. lol
Blessings…. Pam
Great artical, I would LOVE to win a copy/
inspiremichelle@yahoo.com
Thank you Michelle! Blessings…
Pam, I just love you! I knew part of your story, but not all of it! You are a beautiful lady and we have an AMAZING GOD, don’t we? Thank you for blessing me through WPBC. I can’t wait for your next two books! <3 Lisa
Ha Ha… I love you too Lisa Ann! Thank you for the nice words. Yes, we have an AMAZING GOD! His grace amazes me daily. I’m not worthy yet he gives me so many blessings, such as yourself and all the WPBC members!
I am so glad that you have Pam here today. I have the first book on my Wish List and can’t wait to add the second one. It would be a pleasure and an honor to win them and start the enjoyment of reading them right away. Thank you for sharing this with us! Karen at sweetnessnlight@comcast.net
Hi Karen! I’m not sure I’ve ever been on a ‘wish’ list before. 🙂 I hope you will get to enjoy all 3 of the trilogy books when they are out. Blessings….
I loved the first book, and I’m sure the 2nd will be even better!! (is that possible?!?! lol)
Karen
karenhicks6021@yahoo.com
I certainly hope it is Karen! The second one was tough to write. Sarah and I had to go back & forth more times than we really wanted to do but by golly… we done it. lol Hope you enjoy it more than #1!!
Loved reading about Pam and would love to read her books! Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you Lesley! Blessings….
Looks like a fun read. Thanks for the chance to win!
Blessings Amanda….. 🙂
I’m like Lisa Ann – even though I thoroughly enjoy being a member of the WPBC, and follow it every day, I only knew a tiny part of your story. I’m not one to ask a lot of questions—I figure folks will share what they want to when the timing is right. What a blessing to read this….and hear a little more about God’s great working in your life. Thank you so much!
Good evening Carol! I’m so happy that you enjoy the WPBC! I just love all the crazies on there. lol As Paul Harvey says… and now you know, the rest of the story. 🙂
Blessings…
Thank you for sharing your heart filled story – and for your writing and daily sharing – prayers headed your way!
You are welcome Kim. I was honored that Kate asked me to participate on her blog. Thank you so much for the prayers! One can never have too many of them. Blessings…
See, you chatted with me and I distracted you and slowed you up ! LOL Talking with you is fun Pam, I cannot wait for this book… I have book 1 ! You know, I really want to see pics of your place now… Thank you for sharing your story and testimony with us. I was touched to tears. Surely you know that I love you in the Lord and I know that it surely was God who brings you and I together at this time. It is no coincidence , it is God’s Plan. So, Here am I , waiting to serve thee…. I lived in TN among the Old Order Mennonites and some Amish for 5 years , the story idea I started to tell you was indeed reality, not fiction. I so miss it there, but here I am back home in Rural Central NY for a purpose, for such a time as this !
Your Sister
Linda Marie Finn
Mistress of Faithful Acres Homestead
Faithful Acres Books
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Linda!! My chat friend! I’m anxious to one day sit down and see what my pen can discover about Faithful Acres! I’m so in love with that name. I informed my husband that I now live on Faithful Acres. He looked at me a little oddly, shook his head and walked off. lol Yes, God puts us in places, in peoples lives and in situations for a reason. We shall chat again one day!
Pam I too knew part of your “story” but not all. You are in my prayers. And I so pray cancer never decides to “friend” you again. Take care and God bless, Patti who is happy to be part of WPBC
Thank you Patti! I love having you a part of WPBC. Never a dull moment. LOL
It’s always encouraging to hear the success stories of others, healthwise, especially when you struggle with your own daily. Great blog entry. Would love to read this book, it sounds so good!
Thank you Sonja. I will say an extra prayer for whatever your daily struggle may be. Blessings….
Thank you Whoopie Pie Pam for sharing your journey with cancer & faith in God. Thank you also for allowing be to be a part of WPBC…..have read book 1 & patiently waiting for book 2….would love to win kindle editions!!!
Lorraine!! So happy to have you as one of the crazy members of WPBC! God is good! Hope you enjoyed book 1 and will enjoy book 2 even more.
Pam, thank you so much for sharing your story. I didn’t know that you had Cancer three times. I am so happy that you were able to get rid of it through your treatment. Praying that you never ever have to go through this again. I love that you are Cancer free and also that I finally got to meet you. May God bless and keep you and hold you in the palms of His hands.
Thank you Juanita. It was wonderful to get to meet you and Mike. Hopefully we can do it again! God is good!
Wonderful article — blessing to Pam. Love WPBC and I would love to win her books. Thank you for this great giveaway.
Thank you!! I’m happy that you are one of our wonderful (crazy) WPBC members! Blessings…
seraphinangel7@aol.com
I loved hearing your story. My stepmom was just diagnosed with her 3rd bout with cancer. This is the second time in her breasts. I needed to hear your story today. May you continue to be cancer free. fishingjan at aoldotcom
Oh Jan, I am so sorry about your mom! That’s tough to hear. May I add her to my prayer list? “FishingJan”? Love that! I’m married to “TheFishNut” lol I’m “TheFishNutsWife” would love it if you kept me updated on your mom.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. God truly was was with you every step of the way why going through this journey. I am so sorry you had to deal with the cancer not only once but three times, yet your faith never faltered. You are truly an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for this opportunity at a chance to win some wonderful books.
Linda
zrubek@cox.net
Linda… thank you for the kind words. My life is definitely a true testament that “All things are possible to those who believeth”. I have the word “Believe” all over my house. 🙂 Blessings to you….
As a cancer survivor, I loved your story of receiving a negative diagnosis. All those tests—can leave you feeling humiliated, scared, and dehumanized. Thanks for sharing. God is good.
Yes they can Judy. It becomes exhausting and the waiting on the results can be excruciating! I loved the first 4 words of your comment. “AS A CANCER SURVIVOR”! Praise the lord for that! He is good. All the time. <3
Thanks for sharing your story Pam.There is power in prayer.I love your facebook page.I would be honored to win these two books.Thanks for the chance,jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
Hi Jackie!! Yes, there is definitely power in prayer! I love the song “There’s Power in The Blood” as well. Have a good evening Jackie… I’ve got you in my prayers. <3
Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration. I have gone through a lot of medical problems. It’s hard to keep the faith sometimes. When ever I got a bad report I just remembered… we are not to put or trust in the wisdom of man but in the power of GOD. I loved your first book and looking forward to the second one!
Rita
godskid91@gmail.com
Yes, it is hard. One doesn’t realize the amount of emotions that you go through when you receive bad medical news. I hate to hear that you’ve gone through a lot. Hope it’s over for you medically. On the last cancer diagnosis, I was sitting in church and then it donned on me… maybe there was someone that I would come in contact with in the medical field that needed to hear about my God. How could I not obey? I’m thrilled that you like the first book and hope you like book 2 even more! Blessings to you Rita!
Pam, your story is so uplifting. Thank you for sharing it. I am also a Whoopie Pie lover. It was my favorite growing up, and still is. I also love visiting Ohio Amish country. It is a peaceful pleasure to do so. Thanks also for offering copies of your books.
may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you Kay! OOH.. another Whoopie Pie Lover who loves Ohio Amish Country! I was invited to Walnut Creek Cheese on Nov 7 for… A Whoopie Pie Contest! How cool is that to be around all those delicious Whoopie Pies?..lol I think I’ll stand at the door with a sign that says “Please leave your whoopie pies here”. LOL If you have the opportunity to join me there for that..I’ll share. One. LOL. Blessings to you Kay!
Love pam and the group. I really would love to win her wounderfull books as I cannotget enough of amiskh fiction.
Hi Emily!!! Hope you are doing good! I share in that comment, “I cannot get enough of Amish fiction”! But, you already knew that. 🙂
Blessings to you Emily!
Wonderful testimony. I love the Amish and one day I will visit. I have made that promise to myself. Also, I want to eat a whoopie pie. I’ve read about them in the Amish books and they have caught my attention. I’ve recently become disabled because of a medical error and I have to go to the doctor every month to be checked. One thing they checked is for cancer. I read your posting and God is always with us. Thank you for sharing and for the chance of a giveaway.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
.
Thank you Barbara. Oh, I so hope you get to visit the Amish one day and eat one of those yummy whoopie pies. For years, reading was my only way of experiencing the Amish culture. I could envision in my head their lives. So sorry that you have become disabled. Especially over a medical error. I think I read the most when I was at the Doctor’s office WAITING. It was a way to help ease those anxieties of being forgotten by the receptionist in the waiting area. 🙂 May I add you to my prayer list Barbara? Blessings to you….
This was a great read, can’t wait for the second one. Love good, clean Christ center books! Thank you….
Thank you Becky! I hope you enjoy book #2 more than you did book #1!
Blessings to you…
Great article!!! I did have the chance to meet Pam. She has been on quite the journey, and through it all remained the same kind hearted and loving person. A little stingy though with Whoopie Pies! LOL So thankful you remain cancer free. Wishing you much success in the future!! God bless you always!!! <3 kathibud5038@yahoo.com
Popp-sicle!! Yep, you just told everyone in internet land that I’m stingy! LOL Well, yes… when it comes to my whoopie pies.. I am. BUT, seems to me that SOMEONE (whose Kathleen name we won’t mention) had some yummy ones that she didn’t share recently. Hmmm…. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I am so happy that you created the whoppie pie club. It is so great to be part of a club that enjoys the famish as much as me. I feel exactly the way you do about the amish. I am hoping that I am going to go with the group on one of these trips. I want to read your books hopefully I will get them for my birthday. You are a wonderful insperation for all of us and please keep writing.
Thank you for the nice words. I have noticed there is no name or email so I hope Kate has it for the drawing. I’d hate for you to miss out!! I’m thrilled that you like the Whoopie Pie Book Club and I will pray that you get to join us soon on one of the outings! OOH.. birthday? Is that coming up soon?
Pam, great interview. I hope that was your last round of cancer. I hope it will not return. And thank you very much for allowing me to join Whopie Pie Book Club.
Janna (brs882(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you Janna!! I’m happy to have you on WPBC! Hope you enjoy it!!
Pam you are an inspiration! Love to eat whoopie pies & would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity. Linda McFarland
dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com
Thank you Linda. I give God all the glory for where I am today!
Very glad to read about your victories. God is too wise to ever make a mistake and too good to ever be unkind. I’m so thankful we have Him to go with us as we travel through adversities.
Since receiving my kindle for retirement, I very seldom ever buy a hard copy book. I would LOVE to receive the ebooks. Mercedes Hall
hall.mercy@gmail.com
Love the name ‘Mercedes’!! Aren’t those Kindles just the handiest thing. Especially if one travels or has to go to Doctor’s appointments. My mother bought me my very first one because of my sitting in the Dr offices so much. She felt the staff was safer if I was pre-occupied and didn’t realize how long they were making me wait.. lol Blessings… Pam
I LOVE YOU PAM!! I remember you going through all of that & am so happy it all came out GOOD. You are a wonderful & dear friend. God Bless You.
Susan Conceicao
Love you too Suzi Q!! I value your friendship and very thankful that God put you in my life!
Prayers for your health, that you stay cancer free. My husband had thyroid CA 10 years ago now, had to have 2 operations to remove the thyroid completely, radioactive kill done on any remaining thyroid tissue and complete body scans for 6 year. Prayers for your cancer to stay in remission forever. God Bless You!!!
Lucy Nix
Praise God for your husband’s cancer being gone!! Love those stories!! Thank you for the prayers.. one can never have too many of those! Blessings… Pam
I knew Pam was one extraordinary person, but now I truly know why. God has a special plan for Whoopie Pie Pam;-) The Holy Spirit is truly working within her. He has blessed all of us by her special talents.
I had no idea the battle Pam has been facing and fighting each and every day of her life. I will certainly keep her in my thoughts and daily prayers. I know God wants her to use her god -given talents to motivate and inspire us all.
Blessings,
Kristin J
keithkrisjager(at)aol(dot)com
You are very inspiring and I would love to read your books! You are a new author to me but I love to find books by people that I don’t know! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
Thank you for the kind words! It was certainly fun co-writing this book with Sarah Price. 🙂 Hope you get a chance to read it and you enjoy it!! Blessings… Pam
Thanks for sharing. I can hardley wait for the second book to come out. You have been blessed by our awsome God. Even thou you are going through what you are you love to inspire me.
Blessing!!!Pray for you daily.
Thank you! Fingers crossed that we will see Divine Secrets 2 available this week!! Hope you enjoy it!
Pam, I am so glad that I get to be a part of the hearts you touch through the Whoopie Pie Book Club!! It is a delightful ministry indeed! Thank you for sharing your story and I am thankful to God that you are cancer free!!!! God is good! You know, I am just chomping at the whoopie pie to read your next book! lol Rhonda
rhonda_nash_hall (AT) comcast (DOT) net
Thank you so much Rhonda! I’m so happy that God led you to the WPBC! Love that you are ‘chomping at the whoopie pie’ to read Divine #2!! Hopefully Hopefully soon!!!!
Thanks for telling Whoopie Pie Pam’s story. She is a remarkable woman. Thank the dear Lord you are cancer free Pam. Can’t wait to read your next book. God Bless
Thank you so much Shelia!! God is good!! Hope you enjoy Divine #2!! Blessings to you… Pam (I don’t see your email address so I hope Kate has it for the drawing!)
Thanks for being you and thanks to your loving hubby for letting us be a part of yalls life. Love both of y’all ida davis email is housewife@gmail.com
Pam….thanks for sharing your story. I enjoyed hearing how God has blessed you. May your life continue to bless others and I pray that you remain cancer free. God truely has his hand on you.
Thank you Pam for sharing your story. Isn’t it amazing how awesome our God is. I live in Lancaster County among the Amish and would not trade it for anything. Their way of life is so peaceful. And their work ethic is very strong. And of course we can’t forget their food! You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Keep up your great writing job!!!! Lori @ ldwrncpn@comcast.net